Kurtz criticises ‘deeply disappointing’ delays at St Clears railway station

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

Samuel Kurtz MS has voiced his disappointment at the lack of progress by both the UK and Welsh Governments in delivering the reopening of St Clears railway station.

“Despite £4.7 million awarded by the previous UK Conservative Government to the Welsh Labour Government through the Restoring Your Railway Fund, four years have passed without any visible action towards the station’s reopening,” he said.

The new UK Government Rail Minister – Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill – has confirmed that the Welsh Government has acknowledged it cannot proceed with the project, citing rising costs and uncertainty over the location of a proposed new hospital in the area. The original agreed plan to reopen the station had no links to the potential new hospital.

Commenting on the situation, Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, continued:

“It’s deeply disappointing that St Clears railway station remains closed. The Welsh Government received funding specifically for this project, yet no progress has been made.

“Linking this delay to the ongoing uncertainty around the location of a new hospital is simply not acceptable. The location of the new hospital was never conditional on the reopen of the station’s original business case or vice versa.

“The calls for the railway station have come from the community. It’s about time that the Labour governments on either side of the M4 start delivering for rural communities like ours. ”

In a letter to Sam Kurtz, the Minister of State for Rail said that the future reopening of St Clears Station ‘remains a priority for the Wales Rail Board’.

He stressed that the Board will continue to advise the UK and Welsh Governments on options for its future progression.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.